Blind cave eel (Ophisternon candidum) fish species and information / pictures of Blind cave eel - Ophisternon candidum

Blind cave eel (Ophisternon candidum) fish species information

Scientific Name
Ophisternon candidum

Common Name
Blind cave eel

Biology
Vertebrae: 150. Body extremely elongated, eel-like and roundish. No fins except a thin rayless finfold near and around the tip of the tail. No externally visible eyes. The lateral line system is distinct and continues to near the tip of the tail. Anus in anterior half of the body. Whitish coloration in the skin.

Classification

Classified By

Mees, 1962

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Spiny eels (Synbranchiformes)

Family

Swamp-eels (Synbranchidae)

Distribution

Region

Oceania

Distribution

Oceania: Western Australia. Threatened (Ref. 35740).

Range

21°S - 23°S

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

0 m

Depth To - meters

3 m

Zone

demersal

Environment

Freshwater; brackish; ; pH range: 6.8 - 7.3 demersal; potamodromous (Ref. 51243); depth range 0 - 3 m (Ref. 35740)

Trophic Level

3.5 s.e. 0.37 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

True

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

40.0 cm

Common Length

34.0 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5156 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial

Vulnerability

Low vulnerability (21 of 100)

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Data deficient (DD)